Toshikoshi soba, Japanese seasonal dish

In this series of articles, we’d like to focus on Japanese traditional & seasonal dishes. Today’s topic will be an “Toshikoshi soba” eaten on New Year’s Eve.

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Soon after Christmas, Japanese people start preparing for the year-end and New Year’s events, and New Year’s Eve is called “Oomisoka” in Japanese.

On Oomisoka day, Japanese eat soba noodles called “toshikoshi soba” (year-crossing soba) to wish for a long lasting life.

Traditionally, Japanese people eat toshi-koshi-soba on the last day of the year.

The most commonly held explanation for the origin of Toshikoshi-soba is the wish for a ‘slim but long and healthy life,’ like buckwheat noodles!

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Japan has many seasonal foods and traditional Japanese sweets. As Japan’s leading culinary school in Tokyo, we are open for anyone who’s interested in Japanese Dishes. Please check our menu and class schedule below, and please feel free to contact us for your inquiry!